Thousands of Palestinian worshippers gathered at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque for morning prayers on Friday, marking the first major religious gathering since Israel lifted a 40-day ban on entry to the holy site.
Approximately 3,000 people participated in the dawn prayer service, filling the mosque's courtyards and prayer halls. The atmosphere was described as both solemn and celebratory, with many worshippers expressing relief at being able to return to one of Islam's most sacred sites.
"This is more than just a prayer—it's a homecoming," said one elderly worshipper who had traveled from Ramallah. "For forty days, we could only pray from afar. Today, we reclaim our connection to this holy ground."
Israeli authorities had imposed the restrictions citing security concerns, though Palestinian leaders condemned the move as collective punishment. The ban had prevented most Palestinians from the West Bank from accessing the compound, though Jerusalem residents with permits were still allowed entry.
Friday's gathering proceeded peacefully, with Israeli police maintaining a visible but restrained presence around the Old City's perimeter. Security officials reported no significant incidents during the morning prayers.
The reopening comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, though religious leaders from multiple faiths have called for maintaining the status quo at the sensitive holy site, which is also revered by Jews as the Temple Mount.
"When people can pray freely in their holy places, it brings a measure of peace to all Jerusalem," noted a local interfaith coordinator. "Today's gathering shows what's possible when access is restored."
Palestinian officials have welcomed the lifting of restrictions but called for permanent, unimpeded access to the mosque. Israeli authorities have indicated they will continue to assess security conditions on a day-to-day basis.